Hotel Points Programs

Hotel Points, Points, Points… My business colleagues and traveler friends have discussed and compared at length trying to figure out what is the best way to maximize points… and the “best deals” are always evolving. You can search for “point hacks” online to find bloggers and such who analyze all the latest deals.  The best tip that I can provide is to pick a program and stick with it as loyalty does pay off. I generally utilize my credit cards for CASH programs with hotel programs as a secondary option. In addition though, I also utilize hotel loyalty programs to maximize free nights and perks.

• Hotels.com – This website has a large selection of hotels and also a great rewards program. For every ten nights, you will receive a credit for a night towards a future stay based on the value of the ten nights.
• SPG.com – My travels began thanks to business and my points obsession began thanks to a boss who turned me on to Starwood Preferred Guest.  Their hotel brands include both high end and lower price point brands: Sheraton, Four Points, W Hotels, Westin, Le Meridien, Element, ALoft, St. Regis.  This is the loyalty program where you can sign up for free. When you stay at their hotels, you earn points.  Earn your way up to Platinum and you get lots of special perks. You can also apply and use the SPG Credit card for additional rewards.
• Best Western – This is my backup hotel choice when a SPG option is not available.  I have found Best Western hotels… almost everywhere and they have also acquired many Mom/Pop hotels, so the hotels are usually fun and unique in the off-the-road locales.